Lady Jane Grey (d. 1554)

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Biography

Lady Jane Grey, also known as Lady Jane Dudley after her marriage, and nicknamed as the "Nine Days Queen", was an English noblewoman who was proclaimed Queen of England and Ireland on 10 July 1553 and reigned until she was deposed by the Privy Council of England, which proclaimed her cousin, Mary I, as the new Queen on 19 July. Jane was later beheaded for high treason.

Timeline

The story of Lady Jane Grey, told in moments.

1537 Birth

Born at Bradgate Park, Leicestershire. Great-granddaughter of Henry VII. One of the most educated women in England. Read Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Italian, and French. She was twelve.

Did reading six languages at twelve feel like power or duty? Was Bradgate Park a home or a school? Did being Henry VII's great-granddaughter feel like destiny?

1553 Event

Proclaimed Queen of England at age 16 after Edward VI died and named her his successor to block the Catholic Mary. Jane reportedly fainted when told. She hadn't asked for the throne.

Did you really faint when told you were queen? Was the throne a gift or a death sentence? How does a 16-year-old process becoming Queen of England?

1553 Event

Deposed after nine days. The Privy Council switched its allegiance to Mary. Jane's own father pulled down her cloth of state with his own hands.

Did your father pulling down your cloth of state destroy you? Was nine days enough to understand what a crown means? Did the Privy Council's betrayal feel personal?

1554 Death

Beheaded at the Tower of London. Age 16 or 17. She blindfolded herself and couldn't find the block. "What shall I do? Where is it?" A bystander guided her hands.

What went through your mind when you couldn't find the block? Was the blindfold your last act of courage? Would you have chosen differently if you could?

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